Muni Long attended the 2026 BET Awards on June 28 at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater, where she spoke about her recovery from a life-saving double lung transplant.
The Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, clad in a blue Sergio Hudson dress, told Entertainment Tonight: “It’s been a battle. But I’m here, I’m grateful. I have a wonderful family and team, support around me, loved ones, friends.”
The “Made For Me” singer credited her young son, Tatum, saying, “Especially my young son, he’s so positive. Mommy, how are you feeling today? You’re so beautiful. I am just surrounded by love. So I feel fantastic.”
Long also reflected on the overwhelming support she received after her health scare, saying it took “almost actually losing someone” for many people to express how much they cared.
She admitted she hadn’t always “felt it” before, but now fans regularly tell her they love her and thank her for sharing her story. The singer said the experience created a stronger “sense of connection and community,” something she is deeply grateful for.
Long also spoke about her latest Def Jam single, “Richest.” She shared the inspiration behind the new single, saying she has always been “all about love.”
At a time when there is “so much hate and division,” she hopes her music encourages people to embrace love.
She added that if the song or its video inspires someone to call their partner, then she feels she’s done her job, because all she wants is to “spread love and happiness all over the world.”
The star previously opened up about the severity of her condition during an appearance on Good Morning America. She had been living with lupus for nearly a decade before her condition worsened while performing on The Boy is Mine Tour in 2025.
By Thanksgiving of last year, the 37-year-old’s condition deteriorated, and she had to be admitted to a hospital.
“I couldn’t even get out of bed to make my call time for the stage,” Long added. Her doctors eventually told her that she had two options: undergo a double lung transplant or enter hospice care.
Long admitted she was left in shock, “And my jaw dropped literally. I was like, ‘That’s rude.’ But they just [said], ‘Hey, this is not a joke, you need to make a choice.’”
Long revealed that she is six months into her recovery. She is scheduled for another medical evaluation in August, when her doctors will determine whether she is ready to resume live performances.
